APM directs Che Nkope to get treatment on Malawi govt funds

President Peter Mutharika has directed that government should fund the medical trip of renowned radio personality and musician Nicholas Mbonela, popularly known as Che Nkope, Minister of Information has said.

About K7 million (US$17 031.6) is needed for Mbonela’s treatment. He is currently admitted to Blantyre Adventist Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) pending travel to South Africa for medical treatment.

He was diagnosed with Cardiogenic shock, a condition in which the heart fails to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs.

Minister of Information, Kondwani Namkhumwa told the audience that turned up for a fundraising show MIJ FM Radio hosted at Robins Park on Sunday that President Mutharika has directed that Mbonela should get medical treatment either in India or South Africa.

Mbonela: Che Nkope ill

The directive means government of Malawi will foot the medical bill including flight costs.

“Following the President’s directive, we have taken up the issue with Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital who will process his medical file before he is flown out for treatment. We will ensure he gets the medical treatment as soon as possible,” said Namkhumwa.

Namkhumwa said government has come to Mbonela’s rescue considering the role he plays as a journalist and a musician.

During the fundraising show, comedian Michael ‘Manganya’ Usi bought Mbonela’s Che Nkope CD at a price over K200,000 while Nankhumwa bought it at K100,000.

A Nyasa Times visit to Blantyre Adventist Hospital found Mbonela in a stable condition after spending eight days in Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and he expressed hope of getting international medical attention.

The fundraising show attracted several artists both gospel and urban in the likes of Annie Matumbi who was prime performer of the day, Ethel Kamwendo, Trumel, Tay Grin, Piksy, Blackjak, Patience Namadingo, Khama Khwiliro, Ndirande Anglican Voices, Joe Chapomba, Diktator, NesNes, King James Phiri, Limbani Cement among others.